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Jon Bernthal Returning to ‘The Walking Dead’ in Season 9

When we played a little April Fools joke on our readers earlier this year, we had no idea that it might actually come true! With that said, it looks like Shane Walsh just might be making a return to The Walking Dead during its ninth season.

TVLine was first to report the news, however, several other sources have corroborated that Jon Bernthal will be reprising his role for one episode in the upcoming season. This news comes after Bernthal was spotted by fans hanging out with Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus in Senoia, Georgia, where The Walking Dead frequently films.

Bernthal’s character Shane went through quite a transition during the first two seasons of The Walking Dead. He started off as Rick Grimes’ (Lincoln) best friend and soon was consumed by the pressures of the apocalypse (and extreme jealousy over losing Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies), Rick’s wife, after Rick rejoined the group). Shane ended up meeting his demise after being stabbed by Rick outside of Hershel’s farm. He soon reanimated as a walker and was officially taken down by Carl Grimes (Chandler Riggs) who essentially saved his father’s life from being eaten by his best friend.

At this time, AMC has neither confirmed nor denied Bernthal’s involvement and any additional details regarding his return are being kept under wraps. The internet, of course, is already theorizing the reasoning behind his return. The current popular theory suggests that Shane comes to Rick in a vision (much like his return in season 3) or a hallucination, perhaps pre-death (and that absolutely breaks my heart).

Bernthal posted to his instagram Monday a photo of himself and Andrew Lincoln during the filming of season 2 of The Walking Dead. It seems to be a response to the news of Andrew Lincoln’s departure. He adds “I love you brother. Always.”

I love you brother. Always.

A post shared by Jon Bernthal (@jonnybernthal) on

The ninth season of The Walking Dead is sure to be one that fans will never forget. It has been reported that both Andrew Lincoln and Lauren Cohan will be leaving the series before the season’s end. Cohan was recently cast in ABC’s Whiskey Cavalier which was announced as being picked up to series during the recent 2018 television upfronts. Both Cohan and Lincoln are said to appear in just six episodes in the upcoming season.

What do you think about Jon Bernthal reprising his role as Shane Walsh during the ninth season of The Walking Dead? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

The Walking Dead will return on AMC this fall.